NL Pitchers Ringing Up More Strikeouts, Shutouts, Every Year Since 2006; Mets Pitchers on a Similar Trend

As I was sitting watching yet another amazing pitching performance in the NL a little while ago, I had the feeling that pitching had been becoming more of a big deal since 2006. Since the word steroid became a lynching word in some cow towns, hitters have suddenly become more anemic at the plate. But it also seems that the pitching is better as well. I thought, “I may be crazy but I think not, some of these pitchers have got more pop!”

I looked up NL pitching stats from 2006 through to the halfway mark of this season, on shutouts and strikeouts, and there does seem to be a trend. Does it mean our hitters are getting worse, or our pitchers are getting better? In my opinion, the answer is, one or the other, I frankly can’t tell which, but pitching is dominating hitting more each year, with some minor fluctuations.

Here are the strikeout totals:

STRIKEOUTS

2006 Mets 1,161 (#3)

2006 NL Total 17,258

2007 Mets 1,134 (#7)

2007 NL Total 17,299

2008 Mets 1,181 (#1)

2008 NL Total 17,959

2009 Mets 1,031

2009 NL Total 18,205

2010 Mets (proj) 1,196

2010 NL Total (proj/est) 18,660*

While the NL has been consistently getting more strikeouts each season, the Mets have topped previous totals every alternate year.

The shutout totals are even more amazing. In fact, the Mets are on track for a record-busting year in terms of shutouts, so pay attention to this stat.

SHUTOUTS

2006 Mets 12

2006 NL 136

2007 Mets 10

2007 NL 128

2008 Mets 12

2008 NL 143

2009 Mets 12

2009 NL 150

2010 Mets (proj) 22

2010 NL (proj) 182

Other than 2007, both the NL and the Mets have either increased or held steady in the number of shutouts pitched each year, and this year looks like its going to blow away previous seasons in this important stat. Later on I may take time out to see if the Mets have ever had a 22 shutout season before. I kind of doubt it.But 182 for a league total is unusually high as well. It seems to be the year of the pitcher, like 1968. One theory is that teams are looking to cut their budgets and having three great pitchers may be cheaper than paying eight sluggers. In any case, this is the trend to watch this season. Maybe we should lower the mound again, or better yet, have the pitchers stand in a hole.

That would give our post-steroid sluggers a better shot at an RBI.

* Not all teams have played a half season exactly, so this is an adjusted figure